the IT girl

the Cinema

It was a lazy Sunday morning, and the Norris household was filled with the sound of laughter and giggles. Gemma had been excited all week about their family trip to the cinema to watch Moana 2. She had practically memorized the trailer and couldn't stop singing the songs from the first movie.

"Daddy, do you think Moana will have a new pet in this one?" Gemma asked, her eyes wide with curiosity as she sat at the breakfast table.

"I don't know, Gemma," Lando replied with a playful grin. "Maybe she'll have a sea turtle this time."

"Or a dolphin!" Gemma squealed.

Daniel, strapped into his high chair, babbled in agreement as he smeared mashed bananas across his tray.

Lily smiled as she sipped her coffee, watching her little family. "Well, let's get ready. The movie starts in an hour, and I don't want us to miss the beginning."

The drive to the cinema was filled with excitement. Gemma sat in her car seat, clutching her Moana doll tightly, while Daniel dozed peacefully in his baby seat.

"Do you remember the first time we went to the movies together?" Lily asked Lando, glancing at him from the passenger seat.

"Of course," Lando said with a chuckle. "We watched some action film, and you made fun of how much popcorn I ate."

"You ate three buckets!" Lily laughed.

"Well, it's tradition now," Lando said, winking at her.

At the cinema, they were greeted by the smell of buttery popcorn and the buzz of excited families. Gemma held Lando's hand tightly, her little eyes darting around at all the colorful posters.

"Look, Daddy! That's Moana!" she said, pointing to a life-sized cardboard cutout of the beloved character.

"Do you want a picture with her?" Lily asked, already pulling out her phone.

"Yes, please!" Gemma chirped, running over to pose.

Lando crouched beside her with Daniel in his arms, and Lily snapped a photo. "Perfect," she said with a smile.

Inside the theater, they settled into their seats, with Gemma sitting between Lando and Lily. Daniel was snug in Lily's lap, chewing on his teething ring.

The lights dimmed, and the screen came to life. As the opening scenes of Moana 2 played, Gemma's face lit up with wonder. She was completely captivated, her little hands clutching her popcorn bucket.

"Look, Mommy!" she whispered excitedly. "That's Maui!"

Lily nodded, smiling at her daughter's enthusiasm. Lando leaned over, whispering, "I think she loves this more than racing."

Lily chuckled. "I wouldn't be surprised if she starts asking for sailing lessons after this."

Halfway through the movie, Daniel let out a soft cry, clearly bored with sitting still. Lily rocked him gently, whispering soothing words until he calmed down.

Lando reached over, taking Daniel for a bit so Lily could relax. As the movie reached its climax, Gemma gasped and clapped, completely immersed in the story.

When the credits rolled, Gemma stood on her seat, clapping her hands. "That was the best movie ever!" she declared.

"I think so too," Lando said, ruffling her hair.

After the movie, they stopped by the concession stand to get ice cream cones. Gemma insisted on a bright blue flavor that matched her favorite character's outfit.

"Daddy, can we watch it again tomorrow?" she asked between licks of her ice cream.

Lando laughed. "We'll see, Gem. We'll see."

The ride home was quieter, with Daniel fast asleep in his car seat and Gemma fighting to keep her eyes open.

"Today was perfect," Lily said softly, reaching over to squeeze Lando's hand.

"It really was," he agreed, glancing at her with a smile.

As they pulled into the driveway, Lando carried a sleeping Gemma to her room, while Lily gently tucked Daniel into his crib.

Later that evening, as they curled up on the couch, Lily rested her head on Lando's shoulder.

"You're an amazing dad," she whispered.

"And you're an amazing mom," he replied, kissing her forehead.